Chinook Pass Highway (SR 410)

State Route 410 climbs from western Washington’s timber country into true alpine territory, cresting Chinook Pass at 5,432 feet between Mount Rainier and the William O. Douglas Wilderness. The paved highway transforms into serious mountain driving through Naches Pass country that challenged wagon trains in the 1850s. Cayuse Pass and Tipsoo Lake mark the high country entry, where subalpine meadows explode with wildflowers during brief summer months and Mount Rainier dominates the western skyline.

Easy to moderate difficulty depending on weather conditions—this is a paved highway accessible to any vehicle when open, but mountain driving skills help with steep grades and potential weather changes. Snow gates typically close the pass October through May, making this a true seasonal adventure. No permits required for transit, but Northwest Forest Pass needed for trailhead parking. Stock up on fuel in Enumclaw or Yakima—no services at elevation. Crystal Mountain Resort provides the only reliable cell service along the route. Summer wildflower displays and fall larch colors make this one of Washington’s premier scenic drives.